Most of you know the procedure regarding the two Time Control checks (at 3 and 5 weeks) but we have quite a few new players this season who will not. The first check, at the 3 week stage, is designed to identify non-starters. All players are asked to complete one match in each section they have entered by this date. I am usually fairly flexible, so a player entering three sections who has completed two matches in one section, one match in another, and has started (but not finished) a match in the third section will be OK, whereas someone who has only completed one match in one section and has not started the other two sections may well lose one of those sections to a reserve. It is much better to play evenly across the sections that you have entered rather than concentrate, say, just on Classical Antiquity, or just on Early Middle Ages.

A slight rule change for this season means that players cannot claim a match under the 7 day rule (an opponent not making a move for 7 days without explanation) in the period up to, and including, the first Time Control check.

If you have any problems contacting a player in this first period of the tournament please contact me by PM and I will see if I can get your match started.

Also, it is very helpful to me if you do post your challenges in the "Arrange Your Matches Here" threads, rather than just arranging matches by PM. This is because I can see what is exactly happening in the tournament and who I might need to send a chaser to. Thanks.

The Han/Wuhuan left's cavalry were pinned up against a hill by the Zhou's foot and chariots and crushed, but their right caught the refused flank of the Zhou and inflicted enough damage to scrape through to victory.

A very formal affair where everyone partnered up in an organized fashion. The lights fought lights, cavalry chased each other on one flank far from the main line, and the heavy infantry stared at each other until it was time to make the flank attacks happen. Lady luck was all over the place as we each dealt with good and bad double drops, sticky light cavalry charges, and clutch rallies. In the end, my combination of positioning and luck came out on top.